Areas of endemism of semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera: Gerromorpha): an approach to the biogeographic regionalization of Colombia

Abstract

Areas of endemism, defined by the congruence of the distribution of two or more taxa that are only found in that specific area, are considered an important input for biogeographic regionalization and determining priority areas for conservation. Herein we inferred the areas of endemism of Gerromorpha and their representation within the current protected areas system of Colombia. We analyzed 480 records of 69 species of semiaquatic bugs (Hemiptera – Gerromorpha) using the NDM/VNDM and three different grid sizes. We identified eight areas of endemism and 15 endemic species belonging to the genera Altavelia, Hydrometra, Oiovelia, Microvelia, Platygerris, Potamobates, Rhagovelia, Rheumatobates, Stridulivelia, Telmatometropsis and Veloidea. We identified five consensus areas. The endemism patterns of Gerromorpha from smaller units within the biogeographic provinces proposed by Morrone (Zootaxa 2014, 3782, 1–110). Rather, they form smaller units within provinces, similar to those found in vertebrates, suggesting the existence of biogeographic districts and therefore the need for a new classification. Only six of the 15 endemic species are protected under the current protected areas system. Defining Gerromorpha AEs constitutes a first step to infer the biogeographic history and the evolutionary processes that influence the distribution of semiaquatic bugs in Colombia and guide actions for their conservation.